Video: Justin Bell Puts 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT to the Test

Can Jeep's Hot Rod Justify Its Existence?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has always been somewhat of an oddball in the brand's lineup. While the majority of Jeeps have the brand's vaunted Trail Rated badge, the SRT does not. Perhaps Track Rated would be more appropriate. The original Grand SRT could only tow a measly 3500 pounds, and even that amount was a challenge with the twin center-mounted exhaust pipes. That design quirk has since been rectified with outboard-mounted twin exhaust tips, and towing capacity has gone to a legitimate 7200-pound rating for 2014, the same as other Grand Cherokees. But, truth be told, the Grand Cherokee SRT's true mission in life is not hauling a trailer, but hauling tail.

With more than two decades of professional motorsport experience, Justin Bell has the credentials to make a frank assessment of the Grand SRT's performance chops. Despite a chunky curb weight of more than 5000 pounds, the combination of the 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 and eight speed transmission make it responsive on the track. Its on-track performance is aided by a selectable track mode that stiffens the shocks and sharpens throttle response.